ENGEL STATEMENT ON TRUMP’S NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

  Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:

“For nearly a year, the Trump Administration has pursued a haphazard, fly-by-the-seat of-your pants ‘foreign policy’ that has severely eroded our country’s leadership on the global stage and made us less safe. Nothing in the President’s speech today or in the National Security Strategy gives me any confidence that the Administration is going to change its dangerous course. Prioritizing ‘America First’ over longstanding alliances, reversing President Obama’s landmark accomplishments on climate change, and mindlessly slashing American diplomacy and development efforts harms our standing in the world, undermines our national security, and cedes much greater influence to our adversaries.

“I’m also deeply troubled by what the President left out of his speech and the strategy—Russia’s 2016 election interference. More than a year after Russia attacked our democracy to promote his candidacy, the President still won’t fully acknowledge what took place, let alone dole out the tough response necessary to prevent it from happening again. And on too many issues—from North Korea to Syria to Iran—we continue to hear only contradictions and half-baked schemes from this Administration.

“I urge my colleagues in Congress to continue putting the national security of our country before party politics, especially at a time when our President fails to do so. This is the only way for us to ensure the safety and security of our country and our leadership in the world.”

Statements by Congressmen Eliot Engel, and Adriano Espaillat on the GOP Tax Reform Plan

Engel: New York is "Getting Screwed" by the GOP Tax Scam

  Congressman Eliot Engel, a top member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement on House Republicans voting to pass the GOP tax reform plan:

“There’s no other way to say it: New York is getting screwed by the tax scam Congressional Republicans passed today. This bill will be painful for middle-class taxpayers, who will see their taxes increase, while permanent tax cuts go to the very wealthy and big corporations. It explodes the deficit by adding $2.3 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years, which in turn will lead to massive cuts in Medicare, Medicaid, education, transportation, Homeland Security and environmental protection. And it will eliminate the Affordable Care Act’s Individual Mandate, raising costs on middle-class families and increasing health insurance premiums by 10% per year, all while possibly leaving 13 million more Americans uninsured.

“Then there are the state and local tax (SALT) deductions, which are capped at $10,000 for individuals and families. This is where donor states like New York will be hit disproportionately hard, as many middle-income New Yorkers would in effect be taxed twice on some of their income. The result would hit middle class families hard and while simultaneously putting be tremendous pressure on states and localities to use few resources to continue providing essential public services like education, local law enforcement, fire fighters, road construction and maintenance.

“Everything about this bill, from the process that froze out Democrats to the actual text of the legislation, is disgraceful. The American people should not forget this Republican betrayal come the 2018 mid-term elections.”

CONGRESSMAN ADRIANO ESPAILLAT STATEMENT ON THE REPUBLICAN TAX BILL

  “I voted no on the Republicans’ tax bill that will raise taxes on tens of millions of middle class families in my district and in communities around the nation. The GOP tax scam hands deficit-exploding giveaways to the wealthiest and corporations shipping jobs overseas,” said Rep. Espaillat.“The final assessment from the non-partisan Tax Policy Center shows the GOP tax scam will raise taxes on a staggering 86 million middle class households, giving 83 percent of its tax cuts to the wealthiest one percent. This disastrous tax plan hurts middle class families and the future of our economy. My constituents want and deserve real, bipartisan tax reform that puts them first by creating better jobs, better wages, and securing a stronger future. Today’s vote to advance the Republican tax bill is not the solution.” 

Comptroller Stringer Releases Annual Report on the State of the City’s Economy and Finances

Despite solid growth for City economy, Comptroller’s analysis warns of slowing revenue growth and shrinking annual surpluses in the face of hostile Federal policy

  Despite continued growth by the City and U.S. economies in 2017, a new report by New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer released today finds that budget gaps are likely to be larger than projected by the City over the next four years, rendering current spending growth potentially unsustainable.

According to the Comptroller’s annual analysis of the City’s economic and financial position, which is required by the City Charter, the overall economic outlook for New York City remains reasonably positive. Unemployment is low and labor-force participation sits at record highs. Job growth remains solid, if slowing, and earnings are rising. The Comptroller expects economic growth to continue at a reasonable pace until 2020, when a slow-down could occur as the Federal Reserve tightens monetary policy. The Comptroller’s forecast does not incorporate the possible impacts of federal tax bills that had yet to be finalized at the time of this analysis.

However, despite generally positive economic conditions, tax revenue growth has decelerated from 7.4 percent in FY2015, to 3.2 percent in FY2016, and 1.9 percent in FY2017.  The report notes that:

Personal income tax revenues have been essentially flat the last two years. While wage withholding has grown robustly, tax payments on capital gains and other non-wage income has fallen, likely in anticipation of federal tax rate cuts on non-wage income.

Business income taxes and property transaction taxes were both lower in FY 2017 than in FY 2015.

Declining cash balances in the City’s central treasury account signal potential headwinds confronting the City’s fiscal condition. After reaching historically high levels in Fiscal Years 2016 and 2017, cash balances have fallen precipitously, reaching a low point of $1.02 billion in the beginning of December – or $4.4 billion below last year’s low. That is the lowest balance since FY 2010.

These indicators, coupled with shrinking contributions to the City’s accumulated surplus, highlights the need for a more significant effort to identify agency spending efficiencies to avoid tapping into budgetary reserves.

Comptroller Stringer’s analysis of the November Financial Plan – which includes the current year (FY 2018) through FY 2021 – has identified net risks to the November Plan projections ranging from $15 million in FY 2018 to as high as $1.3 billion in FY 2020, resulting in outyear gaps of as much as $3.6 billion

“There are reasons to be concerned. Revenues are slowing, operating surpluses are shrinking, and federal policies are only going to make things worse.  We believe the time to start preparing for tougher fiscal conditions is here. We must plan strategically in the short-term to be ready for whatever long-run challenges come our way,” said New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. “Though the outlook for the city’s economy may be positive, it’s impossible to predict what exactly might come from Washington at this point. As the GOP attempts to pass a tax plan for the wealthiest, our safety net could get gutted to pay for it. The last thing we want to do is start drawing funds from our budgetary reserves. That’s an alarming prospect when our economy is still growing. The time to get our house in order is now.”

Tax Collections

The City’s FY 2018 tax revenue forecast decreased by a net $207 million, driven by a projected decline of $240 million in anticipated revenues from business taxes, as well as a decrease of $60 million in anticipated sales tax revenue.

Growth in the City’s personal income tax (PIT) declined last year by 1.0 percent, the first slowdown since the great recession. Sales taxes grew by just 0.2%.

City Spending and Saving

FY 2018 budgeted spending hit $85.99 billion, an increase of approximately 3 percent from actual FY 2017 spending.

After netting out the impact of prepayments in order to get a more accurate comparison, FY 2018 expenditures excluding reserves total $88.7 billion, an increase of 5.2 percent over FY 2017 actual spending.

In FY 2015, the City added $1.52 billion to the accumulated surplus of $2.01 billion that was rolled in. The following fiscal year the City added just $514 million to the accumulated surplus, and last fiscal year the City added $142 million.

This is the first time the City has not set aside funds in November to begin accumulating a surplus for the year since November 2014.

The November Plan Citywide Savings Program totals $1.15 billion over the four years of the Financial Plan period, but just 1.3 percent of the savings are from agency program efficiency initiatives.

Higher Budget Gaps in Future Years

The Comptroller’s analysis of the November Plan shows that the outyear gaps could be larger than projected by the City.

The analysis of the November Plan has identified net risks to the City’s revenue and expenditure projections of $15 million in FY 2018, $386 million in FY 2019, $1.29 billion in FY 2020, and $1.05 billion in FY 2021.

The Comptroller’s Office projects a slight gap of $15 million in FY 2018 and larger gaps of $3.56 billion in FY 2019, $3.57 billion in FY 2020, and $2.66 billion in FY 2021.

Headcount

Full-time headcount has grown rapidly over the last three fiscal years, rising by 23,688 or 8.7 percent between fiscal year-end 2014 and fiscal year-end 2017.

The November 2017 Financial Plan continues this trend with a planned increase of 7,612 or 2.6 percent in total-funded full-time headcount to 303,067 for fiscal year-end 2018.

Several agencies are significantly short of their headcount targets while others are well above. Among those with significant shortfalls are:

  The Administration for Children’s Services, which has added only 10 of the planned increase of 812 positions.

  The Department of Correction, which has added only 16 of the planned increase of 443 civilian headcount.

Compounding the budgetary risks to the City is Federal policy, which imposes a high degree of uncertainty on both the City’s economic forecast and budget projections. While the Comptroller’s economic and revenue forecasts do not incorporate the impact of federal tax and budget changes, which have yet to be finalized, the trillion-dollar increase in the federal deficit likely to result from the tax bills could lead to substantial cuts to the social safety net and a range of federal aid programs that support New York’s most vulnerable residents.

To read Comptroller Stringer’s full analysis of the November Plan, click here.

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND SPEAKER MARK-VIVERITO ANNOUNCES MAJOR INVESTMENTS TO FILL EAST HARLEM GREENWAY GAP

$101 million investment is major step towards a contiguous 32-mile waterfront pedestrian promenade and bikeway around Manhattan

  Mayor Bill de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito today announced a major investment to advance construction of a brand new section of the Greenway, between East 125th and East 132nd streets. This investment would close one of the last remaining gaps in the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, a major step towards completing a contiguous 32-mile waterfront pedestrian promenade and bicycle path around Manhattan.

As part of the recent rezoning of East Harlem, the City committed $83 million in capital towards the development of a new seven-block-long, seven-acre park, featuring bicycle and pedestrian paths. This commitment will provide new access for East Harlem residents that are currently disconnected from the Manhattan Greenway. The new investment comes on top of $18 million already committed to the project waterfront repair work between E125th and 132nd Streets. When this segment and the recently announced $100 million expansion in East Midtown are complete, there will be a contiguous waterfront esplanade and bikeway extending from East 51st Street to West 145th Street—nearly 100 blocks.

“This investment in the East Harlem Greenway gap means a brand new waterfront park for neighborhood kids and residents, and gets us closer to a decades-long goal of completing the amazing Manhattan Greenway. New York is a city of parks and communities, and our focus is improving both,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“The East River Esplanade is a major public open space asset that offers wonderful views and a chance to relax for New Yorkers up and down the east side of Manhattan,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “As El Barrio/East Harlem neighborhoods have witnessed, however, part of this greenway has been neglected for far too long. That’s why the Council prioritized investing in this important open space as part of the recent East Harlem Rezoning. We are proud to welcome this $101 million capital investment for the construction of a brand new waterfront promenade, in addition to $15 million allocated to repair the existing portion of the East River Esplanade. I especially want to thank the Mayor and Parks Commissioner Silver for always supporting our city's parks and green spaces."

New York City Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the New York City Parks Department, will begin design, environmental review and permitting for the new Greenway segment in 2018. The Parks Department has already conducted a community engagement process to inform the project’s conceptual design.

Construction is expected to begin in 2020 when work is completed on the Harlem River Drive.  Construction will take approximately three years, and is expected to be complete in 2023.

In addition to the new segment of waterfront parkland, the City has committed another $15 million for long needed repairs to the existing portion of the East River Esplanade between 96th Street and 125th Streets. In recent years, Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito have contributed funding for repair work that is currently underway along this stretch. NYCEDC will re-inspect this portion of the Esplanade next year, which will inform the phasing of future repair work. The additional $15 million investment helps to ensure that the structural integrity and landscape of the existing Esplanade will provide a continuous path to the future waterfront park.

“Every step toward ‘closing the loop’ with the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway is a reason to celebrate – and the East Harlem Greenway link is cause for some major cheering. This crucial seven-acre stretch of all-new parkland will give East Harlem residents a new place to exercise, play, and relax, and will bring all New Yorkers closer to their waterfront,” said Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver.

Since its inception in 1993 under Mayor David Dinkins, each administration has contributed to the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway. The last major section of the Greenway to open was a 10-block pile-supported Riverwalk built in Riverside Park on the West Side between West 81st and West 91st streets, completing a contiguous 11-mile Hudson River Greenway from the Battery to the George Washington Bridge. With more than 7,000 daily cyclists, it is the busiest bike path in the United States.

In April, the Mayor dedicated $100 million in City capital to significantly narrow the Greenway’s largest gap as part of an administration-wide push to complete a contiguous 32-mile waterfront pedestrian promenade and bicycling path around the whole of Manhattan.

The Mayor’s executive budget also included $5 million for a multi-agency study of the remaining gaps in the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway. The study will identify solutions necessary to upgrade existing pinch points and complete gaps, as the basis for additional funding in the next update of the City’s capital plan.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

  How nice it is for Manhattan to have a full Greenway, now how about doing the same for the Bronx?

White Plains Road Business 

Improvement District

Senator Jeff Klein & Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj

Invites you to

Celebrate the Festival of Lights

And Christmas Tree Lighting

This Tuesday, December 19^th 5:15 pm

Pelham Parkway at White Plains Road

Luis Sepulveda - I am running for the State Senate

ANNOUNCING MY RUN FOR THE STATE SENATE

I am announcing my intention to run for the state Senate seat being vacated by Senator Ruben Diaz, who was recently elected to the New York City Council. The seat in the 32nd Senate District, covering Parkchester, Castle Hill, Morrrisania, Hunts Point, Melrose, Longwood and Soundview, will officially become vacant on Dec. 31, 2017, after which Governor Cuomo is expected to call a special election to fill it.   I pledge to continue in the Senate with the same dedication and energy that I have shown in representing the people of the 87th Assembly District, who have returned me to office with overwhelming voting margins for three terms. In the Senate, I want to fight for public safety and criminal justice reform, education programs,affordable housing, increased access to mental health care, economic development and opportunities, and social service reforms, especially as they affect middle class families and the working poor.   I look forward to sharing my progressive message with the voters of the 32nd Senate District in the coming months, listening to their concerns and delivering my case as being the most qualified person to serve them in the Senate.

Senator Klein Helps Light Giant Riverdale Menorah

  This evening State Senator Jeff Klein helped light the traditional Riverdale Menorah. The Riverdale Menorah is the largest menorah in the Bronx, and stands In front of the Riverdale Bell Tower at West 239th Street and the Henry Hudson Parkway North service road. Over 100 people came out tonight to celebrate the lighting of the sixth candle (lanterns here) by Senator Klein and Rabbi Levi Shemtov. After the lanterns were lit there was dancing, jelly donuts, and potato latkes. Below are some photos of how the Menorah lighting went as the sun went down.  

Above - Just how does one get high enough to light the largest menorah in the Bronx? 

Below - With this Hi-Lo in place Senator Klein and Rabbi Shemtov get ready to rise up to the top of the Riverdale Menorah. 

Above - Senator Klein waves as he and Rabbi Shemtov rise to the top of the Riverdale Menorah.

Below - Senator Klein says the two Chanukah prayers before lighting the menorah. 

Above - You can see just how high up Senator Klein and Rabbi Shemtov are, as this is the same photo of Senator Klein saying the Chanukah prayers.

Below - Rabbi Shemtov lights the middle or helper candle which is used to light all other candles.

Above - There was a little problem in reaching the last candle (or lantern) to be lit, You can see Senator Klein holding on tightly as Rabbi Shemtov stretches out to light the last light. 

Below - With all six candles lit for tonight, the bucket is lowered. 

The Riverdale Menorah can be seen from the Henry Hudson Parkway, and for blocks as the light glows into the nighttime against the background of the Riverdale Bell Tower. 

MAYOR DE BLASIO SIGNS LEGISLATION CREATING ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION SYSTEM

For the first time, New Yorkers will be able to register or change their registration online or via a new mobile app

  Mayor Bill de Blasio today signed legislation allowing for the creation of an online system to make voter registration easier for New York City residents. The Mayor previously held a public hearing for the bill, Intro 508-A, on November 27, 2017. Under this new legislation, the City will create an online portal and mobile application where voters can submit registration information or submit updates to their registrations.

“We’re embracing technology to help make voting more accessible for New Yorkers. This bill is one step towards fixing our antiquated electoral system, which for far too long has discouraged participation in the democratic process,” said Mayor de Blasio. “For the first time ever, New Yorkers will be able to submit the necessary registration information or submit updates to their registration online or through a mobile app. Now it is time for Albany to follow our lead and pass meaningful electoral reform to expand access to voting.”

“Online voter registration will make it easier for all New Yorkers to register or change registration online or through mobile apps and will help increase democratic participation,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Voting is one of the most powerful forms of self-expression, so I am excited to see how this program will help New Yorkers better engage with the electoral process. I thank Council Member Ben Kallos for pushing this bill through and for his continued advocacy for voter rights.”

In addition to requiring online and mobile apps for voters to submit their information, this new law requires the CFB to provide voters with a mechanism for an electronic signature on the voter registration form. It would also allow CFB to use signatures already provided to other city agencies, including IDNYC, if appropriate.  After the voter submits the information online, CFB would print the information onto a voter registration form with an electronically affixed signature and then deliver the printed voter registration form to the New York City Board of Elections.  The bill takes effect in 18 months. 

Mayor de Blasio has been an advocate for reforming the State’s antiquated voting laws. This has included pushing for early voting, same-day registration and automatic voter registration during the last legislative session in Albany. Under his leadership, the City has also offered the NYC BOE $20 million in exchange for critical administrative reforms. The NYC BOE has yet to respond to this offer.